Cool MateCould you be slightly more specific vs Specify
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Could you be slightly more specific
Top 2,000 (common)
Specify
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
| Could you be slightly more specific | Specify | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kəd juː biː ˈslaɪtli mɔː sɪˈspɛɪfɪk//🇺🇸 //kəd ju bi ˈslaɪtli mɔr spəˈsɪfɪk// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈspesɪfaɪ/","/ˈspesɪfaɪz/","/ˈspesɪfaɪd/","/ˈspesɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈspesɪfaɪ/","/ˈspesɪfaɪz/","/ˈspesɪfaɪd/","/ˈspesɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Can you give a clearer or more detailed answer? | To say exactly what you mean. |
| Example | Could you be slightly more specific about the project's timeline? | Remember to specify your size when ordering clothes. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | be specific about, more specific details, specific instructions, specific examples, specific timeframe | clearly, fully, carefully, allow somebody to, require somebody to, be difficult to |
| Antonyms | - | vague, generalize |
| Common mistakes | Using 'specific' without 'more' can sound abrupt., Adding unnecessary words makes it less direct., Assuming the speaker understands your request without asking first. | Using 'specification' instead of 'specify'., Confusing 'specify' with 'identify'., Omitting the object when using 'specify'. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase when asking someone to clarify or elaborate. It's polite and suitable for formal and casual contexts. | Use 'specify' when you want to give detailed information. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, especially in formal situations. Avoid in very casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Could you be slightly more specific vs Specify
What's the difference between Could you be slightly more specific and Specify?
Could you be slightly more specific: Can you give a clearer or more detailed answer? Specify: To say exactly what you mean.
Can you show an example of each?
Could you be slightly more specific: Could you be slightly more specific about the project's timeline? Specify: Remember to specify your size when ordering clothes.
Can I use Could you be slightly more specific and Specify interchangeably?
Not always. Could you be slightly more specific and Specify are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.